WELDING AND METAL WORK CARIBBEAN PROGRAMME ON OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY, - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
WELDING AND METAL WORK CARIBBEAN PROGRAMME ON OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY, HEALTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT MAJOR HAZARDS OF WELDING AND CUTTING Include: BRIGHT LIGHT AND RADIATION burns, eye injuries; COMPRESSED GASES - fire and
Include:
and welder’s lung disease; and
ergonomic problems, etc.
Too much light can blind you! All workers must have PPE – not just the welder. Sunglasses offer little protection as is the case here. The proper visor is on the ground next to the welder. The Caribbean welder has taken a piece
to protect his eyes. Protection against the bright light and burns.
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Excellent example from the Caribbean. He is sitting comfortably, has full PPE to avoid “arc-eye” and burns, and is outside with adequate
Preferably asbestos should not be used at all – find a safer substitute. Improper PPE – particulate respirator required for welding /cutting. He should also be wearing gloves. Preferably asbestos should not be used at all – find a safer substitute. A Caribbean worker “holding” the pipe with feet instead of securing same on a workbench; this would prevent awkward posture/bending, and burn hazard to feet. Only partial PPE for this grinder.
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Metal workers with no PPE at all. Note the assistant trying to shield his eyes. Welding fumes are a hazard. Natural / mechanical ventilation, or respirator must be used. used. Metal solder fumes in the breathing zone of the worker without respirator. The welder lacks appropriate PPE. Note the fan behind him to blow fumes away from his breathing zone.
A diagrammatic representation of a LEV (local exhaust ventilation) system to remove welding fumes.
A neat and tidy metal workshop is a good indication that safety and health is taken seriously. Gas bottles need to have the correct regulator, be tethered and stored safely to avoid falls also ensuring all valves remain free of oil or grease. Trolleys are ideal ways of transporting gas cylinders around the workplace safely. Welding equipment should have its
A neat and tidy metal shop with the welding equipment safely stored. Other OSH issues include cleaning facilities for workers . equipment safely stored. Hands covered in oil/grease can lead to dermatitis. Never use gasoline or diesel to clean it off. Use appropriate industrial hand cleaners/ soaps. And PPE including footwear. Workers in metal shops must be provided with the correct PPE. Safety shoes with metal toe caps are essential. Razor sharp swarf on the floors can lead to cuts and infections if the footwear is inadequate.
PROTECTIVE MEASURES INCLUDE THE CORRECT PPE (Visors, goggles, respirators, aprons, gloves etc); VENTILATION (general and LEV) and BOOTHS/SCREENS